The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration‘s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is investigating 1.2 million Ram trucks over rollaway risks. The probe revisits a past recall that may not have been fully resolved.
Here’s why it matters:
NHTSA’s investigation raises concerns over the effectiveness of two of the automaker’s prior recalls from 2017 and 2018. The defect could allow the vehicle to shift out of park without the brake pedal being pressed or the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of collisions, injuries, and damage to individuals and property.
Key takeaways:
- Over 1.2 million trucks are affected
The investigation involves Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 models from the years 2013–2018 equipped with column shifters.
- Defective locking pin raises safety concerns
A faulty BTSI locking pin may get stuck and fail to function, increasing the chances of the car shifting out of park without depressing the brake pedal or inserting the key.
- Multiple reports, including injuries, triggered the probe
NHTSA reports that it received 20 different complaints regarding the issue, including seven injuries from six incidents.
- NHTSA is reviewing past recall fixes
The investigation follows previous recalls issued in 2017 and 2018, which aimed to address a faulty solenoid that could swell due to heat, preventing the locking pin in the column shift from functioning properly. Both recalls involved replacing defective components.
- Ram brand faces added quality pressure
J.D. Power’s 2025 Initial Quality Study recently ranked Ram among the worst, after the brand had led in prior years. This investigation comes at a difficult time when Stellantis and Ram brands are already facing quality perception issues.
